MURRAY Bushrangers survived a barnstorming finish from Eastern Ranges to run-out victors by 16 points at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval on Sunday.
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After leading by 56 points early in the final term, it all went wrong for the Bushrangers as the visitors kicked seven of the next eight goals.
Strong key forward Daniel Johnston kicked the home side’s only two majors of the quarter to hold off the opposition.
Coach Leon Higgins was disappointed with the Bushrangers' finish to the match.
“Our second half was poor,” Higgins said.
“We lost Nathan Oakes and made a few changes which probably affected how the ball came away from the contest.
“We didn’t put enough pressure on in the forward-line either which was pretty disappointing.”
Defenders Jacob Koschitzke, Sam Beasley and Laitham Vandermeer were good contributors for the Bushrangers.
They were strong in the air and provided the rebound which has been regularly provided by Ben Paton and Doulton Langlands this season.
Johnston kicked four goals and could easily have had more while Mark Marriott rucked well.
The Bushrangers led by 46 points at quarter-time which proved just enough to hold off Eastern Ranges.
“It was a really positive first quarter which was pleasing because our starts haven’t been great,” he said.
“We were happy to get a strong start against a travelling team.
“It was the difference in the end.”
Oakes left the ground early in the third quarter following a head clash and took no further part in the game.
The Bushrangers have the bye this weekend before taking on Western Jets at Burbank Oval.
Meanwhile, Paton picked up 18 possessions in Victoria Country’s narrow loss to Victoria Metro in Melbourne on Saturday.
He was also in the best players against the Allies earlier this month.
“He played well again,” Higgins said.
Former Wangaratta player Chris Naish’s son, Patrick, starred for Metro.
Naish gathered 24 disposals, nine marks and kicked two goals in Metro's 15.7 (97) to 11.9 (75) win.
The midfielder shapes as a top-20 pick in November's AFL draft along with Albury’s Charlie Spargo.